A total of more than £160,000 from a Government pandemic fund has been awarded to three cultural organisations and performing arts venues in Inverclyde.

The Beacon Arts Centre is getting £124,400, the Albany Theatre is receiving £20,000, and a further £18,000 will go to Word Up

The emergency Covid-19 funds are distributed through Creative Scotland.

Culture minister Jenny Gilruth said: “I am delighted that this vital funding is reaching the culture sector, which has endured some of the most challenging restrictions over the past 18 months.

“It’s exciting that the sector can now plan for full reopening. The communal experience of being part of an audience cannot be replicated, and it has been sorely missed since the start of the pandemic.

“This funding will play a key role in stabilising many venues and businesses as the sector begins to recover.”